Abstract: A cross-arm for a utility pole, the cross-arm includes an elongated, hollow bar member molded from synthetic material, such as a sheet-molding compound of polyester glass-reinforced plastic. The elongated bar member has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a plurality of through-holes for mounting the cross-arm to a utility pole with fasteners and for mounting electrical line support insulators. A groove extends from the first end to the second end of the elongated bar member, for receiving a wire or cable. A recess is provided in a wall of the elongated, hollow bar member which substantially conforms a section of the wall to the utility pole.

Abstract: A protector panel receives plug-in protector modules. The panel has a plurality of pin receiving holes. The panel has a plurality of members depending from its bottom. Each of the at pin receiving holes has a respective pair of the depending members adjacent to and on opposite sides of that hole. Each member has a boss at an end of the member. A printed wiring board is attached to the panel, beneath the depending members. The printed wiring board has wirings on its surface. The printed wiring board has a plurality of holes, each aligned with a respective pin receiving hole of the panel. The printed wiring board has a resilient elongated member adjacent to each hole of the printed wiring board. The elongated members, which ensure electrical contact between the pins and wiring on the printed wiring board, have a conductive material on them.

Abstract: A clamp for holding laser components during a facet coating process. The clamp includes a first elongate member for contacting a first side of the laser components and a second elongate member for contacting a second opposing side of the laser components. The first and second elongate members include first and second lands, respectively, for contacting and holding the laser components.

Abstract: A connector has a base and a cylindrical terminal attached to the base. The terminal has a hole in its side wall and a horizontal slot extending from the hole. A cap is mounted on the base so as to substantially cover the terminal. The cap has a passage through it. The passage extends diagonally through the cap. The passage has a first end at a top end of the cap and a second end at a side wall of the cap. The passage may penetrate the top surface of the cap, or the passage may penetrate the side surface adjacent to the top corner of the cap. The cap is rotatable between a first position in which the second end of the passage is adjacent the hole of the terminal, and a second position in which the second end of the passage is adjacent the horizontal slot. The side wall of the cap has a hole through it for insertion of a test probe. The cap has at least one position in which the test probe hole of the cap is adjacent to a solid wall of the terminal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for transporting and imaging a textile material. In particular, the present invention is directed toward a system comprising a motorized conveyor capable of moving a sheet of textile material around the far outer surface of an upper rod such that the portion of the textile material extending around the far outer surface of the upper rod can be imaged by a camera.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for polishing a workpiece including a polishing pad; at least one polishing arm for holding a workpiece to be polished on the polishing pad; at least one conditioning arm for conditioning the polishing pad; and, a slurry dispenser. The slurry dispenser is disposed between the at least one polishing arm and the at least one conditioning arm so that slurry dispensed by the slurry dispenser contacts the at least one conditioning pad before it contacts the at least one polishing pad.

Abstract: An improved hose is used to install loose fill insulation. The hose includes projections extending from an inner surface which serve to condition the insulation as it proceeds through the hose and is dispensed. In a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed so as to be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the hose. In a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed so as to be angled, by an angle less then ninety (90) degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the hose. In a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed with a serrated edge. In a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed as part of a cap member which is disposed around the periphery of the hose. In a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the projections include an additional perpendicular projection member extending therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing anti-tank ammunition including a tube with a first cap disposed at a first end of the tube, and a second cap disposed at a second opposing end of the tube. The first cap includes a one-way valve which allows gas to escape the tube, but which prevents gas from entering the tube. The apparatus reduces the amount of corrosion which forms on the ammunition, thereby substantially lowering the number of backfires of the ammunition.

Abstract: A frame includes a plurality of screen bar segments. To form the screen bar, a flat malleable strip is provided. The strip is roll-formed to form a tube having a tensioning step on its face. The tensioning step extends along a length of the tube. The tensioning step has a mounting surface, which may be the bottom of the tensioning step. A hot-melt adhesive is applied to the mounting surface. The screen is spread across the frame, so that the screen extends over the mounting surface of each screen bar segment. The screen is secured to the face of the frame with an adhesive at a plurality of positions across a length of the mounting surface of at least one screen bar segment. The adhesive may be a hot melt adhesive. The screen is inserted with a plurality of pins to intermittently suspend the screen in the adhesive across the length of the screen bar segment. An apparatus for securing the screen to the screen bar segment includes a support surface that holds a screen bar segment.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for enhancing the wear resistance of an iron engine cylinder bore comprising laser alloying of the cylinder bore with selected precursors and honing the cylinder bore to a preselected dimension. The present invention is particularly well suited for enhancing the resistance to wear caused by the corrosion caused by automotive ethanol fuel. The present invention is also directed toward an improved automotive engine comprising alloyed cylinder bores with enhanced wear resistance characteristics.

Abstract: A fiber storage system includes one or more splice holder assemblies and one or more fiber routing devices. The splice holder assembly has a sleeve in the shape of a closed figure having a plurality of substantially flat sides or a ring. The sleeve has a plurality of holes on its sides. At least one splice holder is mounted on the side walls of the sleeve, near one or more of the holes. The fiber routing device includes a sleeve in the shape of a closed figure having a plurality of substantially flat sides or a ring, and a plurality of troughs attached to an outer surface of the top portion of the sleeve. The splice holder assemblies may be stacked on top of each other, or on top of the fiber routing devices. The fiber routing devices may be stacked on top of each other, or on top of the splice holder assemblies. The stack of splice holder assemblies and fiber routing devices form a pedestal for routing and terminating optical fibers.

Abstract: Portable computing devices, such as notebook and palm top computers are provided which include top and bottom housing portions connected by a hinge in which a set of keys is disposed in the bottom portion and a display screen is disposed in the upper portion. These devices further include a leather grain layer disposed on an exterior facing side of the top portion.

Abstract: The invention provides an incinerator adapted for disintegrating metal needles and lancets such as are used in the medical profession. An incinerator is provided that includes first and second electrodes, each having a contact edge spaced apart in an overlapping relationship to one another. The second electrode is rotated relative to the first electrode so as to define a tapered gap between the contact edges. A controlled power source is selectively interconnected to the first and second electrodes, with both being supported by a housing. The housing defines an opening adjacent to the electrodes for receiving metal, such as hypodermic needles, interveinous needles, lancets, etc., to be incinerated by the electrodes. In another embodiment of the invention, a residue collection drawer is slidably mounted within the housing adjacent to the electrodes so as to capture residue from the incineration.

Abstract: Radiant heat deflection system for use when a person is subjected to high temperature conditions during athletic activity. The heat deflection system is capable of deflecting radiant away from the wearer's head or body, thereby reducing the amount of heat absorbed by the person. The invention also relates to heat retaining inserts and apparatus for use during athletic activity, to increase heat retention in cold temperatures.

Abstract: The invention provides a connector boot having an integral latch release for engaging an operative portion of a latching mechanism of a connector to switch the latching mechanism between a latched position and an unlatched position. In one embodiment, the boot includes a housing having exterior walls that define an internal cavity sized to accept a portion of the connector. The boot includes a latch release cowl that is integrally formed on one of the exterior walls of the housing. The release cowl comprises side walls and an outer wall that joins the side walls to form the cowl. Slots are formed in each of the side walls so as to form a cantilevered beam in a portion of the outer wall. Thus, when the connector is positioned within the internal cavity of the boot, the cantilevered beam of the release cowl is positioned in operative relation over the latching mechanism of the connector.

Abstract: A corona detector for detecting a corona associated with a remote object under outdoor daylight conditions. A selective optical filter filters light from the remote object, wherein the optical filter passes one or more of the corona emission bands centered at wavelengths below approximately 290 nanometers (nm) and rejects radiation at wavelengths above approximately 290 nm. A operatively coupled to the optical filter forms an image of the remote object, the lens having high transmissivity in the ultraviolet spectrum.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for manufacturing shaped polymeric articles by substantially continuous vacuum forming. The method includes providing a sheet of hot polymeric material which is disposed onto a rotating belt having a mold impression. Vacuum pressure is applied to the polymeric material through the belt so as to draw the hot polymeric material into intimate contact with the mold impression to form a patterned sheet portion and a remaining sheet portion. This method thereafter cools at least the patterned sheet portion below a heat deflection temperature of the polymeric material, forms the remaining sheet portion, and then cools the remaining sheet portion below the heat deflection temperature so that features other than the central pattern, such as nail and butt edges, can be mechanically worked into the polymeric sheet.